Sleep Tight, and Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite!!

Bedbugs have become a nightmare for many hotels, even fancy ones. Although generally self-limiting even in the absence of treatment, bedbug bites can be problematic: They cause prolonged pruritus, and if severe and bullous, might become secondarily infected.

These authors report the case history of an entomologist who maintained a bedbug colony and, over time, developed severe reactions to the bites. After receiving approval from the internal review board of their institution, the researchers allowed the volunteer scientist to be bitten on the forearm. The reaction was documented by clinical examination and photographically at 30 minutes; at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours; and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. The bite site was subject to histopatho…